ELVIS Bio:
Born:
Elvis Aaron Presley, 8 January 1935, Tupelo, Mississippi at 4:35am to Vernon Elvis Presley and Gladys Love Presley..
Note: Elvis was the “second” son born on January 8, 1935 with his twin named Jesse Garon who (sadly) died at birth – aka: stillborn) approximately 30 minutes before Elvis was born. Jesse Garon was buried in the Priceville Baptist Cemetery in an unmarked grave on the 9th of January 1935. Elvis always “lived with” the guilt/sadness of knowing that a “exact copy” of him was inside the womb, alongside him, and yet did not (sadly) survive.
Elvis carried, as did his Mother and Father, this “memory” with him every moment of his life – mostly in private but sometimes (in great detail) with those who he confided with (i.e. friends, loved ones, etc.) which must have been very "difficult" for Elvis to discuss. One of the things that kept Elvis "sane", during his youth, was the fact that he and his Mother had (what can only be described) as a "spiritual - mind - body - soul - thought" connection. There were many times that Gladys would go to "extremes" to protect Elvis by telling him that "something bad was going to happen" at a certain place/date/time. Elvis recanted that on at least (3) three different dates that Gladys' predictions were (in fact) correct.
Even after his Mother's passing Elvis remembered, and adhered to (for a great deal of time), his Mother's objections to his flying. Gladys had shared with Elvis, around the age of 18 (eighteen) that she envisioned him dying in a plane crash. Elvis had also shared with others that he believed that he would never "outlive the age of his Mother" which he believed (up until his death in 1977) that his Mother was 42 years old. In reality his Mother was actually 46 years old as she has "reduced" her age, over time, by (4) four years to appear/be...younger.
Vernon Presley, Elvis’ father, built the Presley’s two-roomed home located on "Old Saltillo Road" in 1934. In order to construct this home Vernon Presley used a loan for $ 180.00 (one hundred and eighty dollars and no cents) from a local farmer named "Orville Bean".
Elvis’ birthplace was known (then and now) as a Shotgun Shack because it was so small that you could actually discharge a shotgun shell (bullet) from the front door and it would go out the back without hitting anything. Elvis' birthplace was scheduled for demolition but it was (fortunately) salvaged and then opened to the public beginning in June of 1971.
Elvis was born...POOR. The Presley's lived in utter proverty. Elvis' Father Vernon was once put in jail for forging a check. During his Fathers' jail "stint" Elvis became even closer to his Mother.
Died:
16 August 1977, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
History:
Simply put Elvis Presley was the GREATEST recording artist, entertainer, and (yes it is true – using the criteria that each of his movies MADE money which no other “actor/actress” can claim) actor…ever.
Equally as significant Elvis was a loving son, loving/caring/supportive father, and a great/loyal friend. Elvis also loved his (only) wife Priscilla even though their marriage (sadly) ended in divorce (with both parties sharing in the blame – in fairness Elvis was probably a little more “to blame”).
Elvis was the PUREST embodiment of rock 'n' roll, gospel, and rhythm and blues. Elvis Presley's life and career have become part of rock legend. Elvis started his musical career at the age of eight when he won $5 in a local song contest performing the Red Foley ballad, "Old Shep" at the local fair.
It is worth noting that Elvis had to have been influenced by attending, and sometimes “sneaking away to” the Pentecostal Church. Elvis LOVED listening to, and signing, religious and gospel songs. Elvis also had a great admiration for country and “rhythm and blues” and he “melded” these into a style that could only be described as…wonnderful!
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Note: you can "click on the guitar photo" to be taken directly to the site that Elvis got his first guitar from-highly recommended)
Elvis was given his first guitar on his 11th birthday (i.e. January 8, 1946) as his Mother has purchased this guitar from the Tupelo Hardware Company for him. Elvis and Gladys had previously visited the Tupelo Hardware Company and Elvis had shared with Gladys his desire to have a bicycle for this birthday. Due to the Presleys' financial condition (i.e. poor) Gladys could not afford to purchase the bicycle as it was much more costly than the guitar. It is worth "noting" that one of Gladys relatives later stated that the REAL REASON why Gladys got Elvis the guitar was so that Elvis would always be "near her" as she feared that a bicycle would allow Elvis to travel distances afar from her.
Elvis, upon receipt of the guitar and after the "realization" that the bicycle would not be forthcoming, took to "plucking the guitar"...constantly. To anyone, and everyone, who Elvis came in contact with Elvis was heard (over and over) inquiring "do you know how to play a guitar?" and/or "can you teach me?". It was not long after that Elvis was able to play a few chords and began to sing to the music originating from his youthful fingers.
Soon after, in the summer of 1945, Elvis (unknown to his parents who were initially "shocked" and then VERy proud) Elvis entered himself into the Mississippi Alabama Fair Talent Contest. There is, and has been, various accounts that Elvis took "second place" but records indicate (and Elvis confirmed during an onstage performance in the early 70;s) that he actually took 5th (fifth) place. This was the first time Elvis appeared onstage. Thankfully, for all of us, it was just the...beginning.
Humes High School:
Elvis graduated from Humes High School which was located at 659 North manasas Street on June 3,1953.Humes High School was named after Laurence Carl Hughes, a former president of the Memphis Board of Education. Elvis was a very shy student who limited his "social settings" to the AV Club (aka: audio visual) as well as the ROTC. However Elvis was known to bring his guitar to school, once for a school talent show but more routinely during lunch where he played under a specific tree, whereby he played the few chords/songs he knew...and sang along. Gradually the "crowds" of students became increasingly greater thereby giving Elvis some confidence in performing in front of people. This shy, poor, and humble young man had found an outlet for his talents and to those who were present at the beginning, and every concert/performance thereafter, Elvis made a lasting impression...to say the least!
Nevertheless Elvis "stood out" at Humes, as he would anywhere in America in the early 50's, due to his sideburns and his slicked back hair and the way he dressed. Elvis also had a very distinct way of walking as he put his hand into his belt and (basically)...glided. Many of the young ladies of Humes took notice of Elvis which caused some "young men" to become jealous to the point that Elvis was physcially acosted while in the boys bathroom. Fortunately a star player on the football team, named Red West, was also in the boys bathroom at the time and rescued Elvis from his "would be attackers". A friendship was soon formed between Red West, and Elvis, that was NOT to last (up until Elvis' passing sadly on August 16, 1977) as it "ended" on terms that both (Elvis and Red West)...regretted.
Elvis Employment:
When Elvis was (approximately) sixteen years old, and during his Humes High School days, he worked part-time as an usher at the Loew’s theatre (in Memphis of course). Elvis also worked, for a brief time, at these places as well; Precision Tool Co., Parker Machinists, and the Crown Electric Company (where he was a delivery driver).
Elvis 1st Recording:
In 1953 Elvis’ made his first recording, during the summer, at the Memphis Recording Service (which was located at 706 Union Avenue) for the "huge sum" of $ 4.00 (four dollars and no cents). He recorded (2) two songs entitled "My Happiness" along with "That’s When Your Heartaches Begin". At the time Elvis stated that these recordings were a gift for his Mother (for her birthday). Needless to say, Elvis made these recordings (which he deserves a lot of respect for having the courage to pursue his dream/aspiration) for his own reasons.
During Elvis' first recording he was introducted to Marion Keisker, who was the "assistant" to Sam Phillips (the owner), who made a "mental note" of Elvis' distinct look...and sound. It is a fact that had it not of been for Marion Keisker the world would never have had the pleasure of hearing Elvis Presley for the (approximately) twenty-two years he made recordings!
History of Sun Studio:
In 1950 Sam Phillips opened the Memphis Recording Service (located at 706 Union Avenue). In 1952 it became home to his Sun Record label which (eventually - and with "thanks" from this website...and the "world") was blessed to have some GREAT recording acts such as; BB King, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Howling Wolf, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins (along with, of course, the greatest talent ever...Elvis Presley).
Beginning in the summer of 1953 Marion Keisker kept "reminding" Sam Phillips, every chance she got, of this "hometown kid" that had something "special". However Sam Phillips did not "act" upon this information until he had scheduled a recording session, with another "new talent", who failed to show up for the recording session. Sam Phillips was so "upset" that he called in Marion Keisker who immediately reminded Sam Phillips about "Elvis" (the hometown talent with the distince voice, way of dressing, unique name, etc.). DESTINY had "reared it's head" as Marion Keisker picked up the phone and dialed the number...of Elvis Presley. Thank you Marion Keisker, Sam Phillips, and Sun records for putting into motion the career of Elvis A. Presley.
Elvis' first "hit":
Elvis recorded his first "hit song" in January of 1954 which is/was titled (correctly) "That's All Right Lil Mama" but alot of people, and "third parties", know the song as "That's All Right". At the same session he also recorded "I’ll Never Stand In Your Way" as well as "(It Wouldn’t Be The Same) Without You". Sam Phillips was present at this "historical recording" but (at the time) he did not find Elvis' talent...that special (lesson learned - it's sometimes NOT how you "start"....but how you "finish" that counts - yeah baby!).
Prior to the actual recording, in January of 1954, it is important to know/understand the events leading up to this "first hit song". The way it began was that , Sam Phillips (eventually) called Elvis back into the studio (the following summer of 1953) by asking Elvis to record the ballad "Without You". Since Elvis did not have any "back-up musicians" Sam Phillips opted to team Elvis up with Scotty Moore (on lead guitar) and Bill Black (on bass). Scotty, and Bill, were known around Memphis as "slap and/or rockabily" musicians who (a) performed with ENERGY onstage and (b) could be counted on to perform...when the recording sessions began.
Sam Phillips had Elvis, backed by Scotty and Bill, try several different songs none of which "impressed" Sam. Song after song, attempt after attempt, hour after hour, Sam Phillips came to the conclusion that "this was just not working" AND it was costing Sam Phillips time...and money (two things that Sam Phillips never had enough of). Fortunately Sam Phillips called for a "break" at which point Elvis asked Scotty and Bill if they knew the song known as "That's All Right Lil Mama"...and they did! As Elvis started to sing, and Scotty and Bill started to "work it", Sam Phillips IMMEDIATELY KNEW that this was what he had been looking for. A distinct sound, a raw and talented singer, and a combination that transferred all of that energy/talent into the recording. Sam Phillips was so excited that he asked Elvis "what are you doing" at which point Elvis, who thought perhaps he had done something 'wrong", replied "we were just fooling around sir". Same Phillips said "well keep fooling around and start over....I have to get this recorded!". This single was recorded on July 5 (and later backed on the "flip side" with "Blue Moon Of Kentucky") and this song became his debut single on the Sun Record Label...and for Elvis Presley.
Radio Debut:
If you had a "heartbeat", in 1954, and lived in Memphis you knew (whether you admitted it to your parents/family or not) about the disc jockey named Dewey Phillips and his "Red Hot and Blue" radio show on WHBQ Memphis. Dewey Phillips was a music LOVER...plain and simple. Regardless of color, which at the time (sadly) was a dominant issue between Americans, Dewey Phillips respected/appreciated/supported/played any/every Artist that had talent and/or a "unique sound".
Hence, Elvis' recording of "That’s All Right" fit right into Dewey Phillips "muscial tastes" along with the fact that Dewey Phillips and Sam Phillips (no relation but isn't it strange that they both had an identical last name) personally took the "hot sounding 45" to WHBQ (and gave it to Dewey Phillips along with a "long winded verbal recommendation" to play this platter)...hot off the presses.
On July 8, 1954 Dewey Phillips played Elvis' recording of "That's All Right" and the Memphis Listeners responded with tremendous support (calls requesting the song were made such that the phone lines were literally overwhelmed). The Listeners actually demanded that the record be played, and replayed through the night, prompting Dewey to invite Elvis (note: Dewey Phillips got the phone number for Elvis from Sam Phillips and called the Presley home. Gladys answered the phone and told Dewey that Elvis was working at the Theater that night. Between Dewey Phillips phone calls, and Gladys frantically calling the Theater, Elvis was told to come "down immediately to WHBQ. Elvis left his job so fast that when he reached WHBQ he was (literally) out of breath. Dewey Phillips introducted himself to Elvis and they started to talk. Elvis was not aware that they were "live" on the air. Thus Elvis did his first "media interview" on July 8, 1954 as well.
Scotty and Bill - aka "The Blue Moon Boys":.
That's All Right instantly became a success in Memphis as well as parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisianna. There was such a demand for that song, and the Artist who performed it (by the way most people who heard the song believed that it was recorded by an African American - which was/is a compliment due to the amount of energy/rythmn/soul contained in the song), that soon Elvis began touring around Memphis (and parts of the South) with Scotty Moore and Bill Black (who were known as the Blue Moon Boys). It was soon determined that they were in need of a drummer who could "keep up the energy", of Elvis - Scotty - Bill, and after a few "interviews" they (rightfully so) added (the amazingly talented in his own right) DJ Fontana. Now the act was...complete.
Elvis Personal Facts:
Height: 6'1
Hair Color: Brown (light and blondish sometimes called "dishwater brown") but he dyed his hair Black
Blood Type: 0 positive
Weight: 168 to 250 ( his weight increased after 1975 )
Eye Color: Blue
Chest Size: 39-40
Waist Size : 32" (note: At Elvis' "heaviest" his waist was approximately 42")
Hip Size: 41
Shoe Size: 11D' (note: It is true that Elvis routinely wore lifts in his shoes as well to increase his height)
Social Security Number: 409-52-2002
Selective Service Number: 40-86-35-16
Army Serial Number: 53310761 (note: this is also known as his "draft number")
Convair 880 Jet Registration Number: N880EP
Bank Account: National Bank of Commerce checking account number: 011-143875 (note: Elvis always signed his checks as "E.A. Presley")
Favorite Flower: Jasmine
Favorite Sports: Karate, Racquet ball, Football
Favorite Beverage: Pepsi
Favorite Actors: James Dean, Marlon Brando, Dean Martin, Rudolph Valentino, and Peter Sellers (comedian)
Favorite Wild Animal: Tigers (note: Elvis loved Monkey's as well but they may not "qualify" as a wild animal - except Scatter of course)
Favorite Auto Manfacturer: Cadillac
Favorite Gemstone: Diamond
Favorite Home: Graceland
Favorite Colors: Blue, black, white, red, and gold
Favorite Toothpaste: Colgate
Favorite Cologne/Aftershave: Brut, and Aqua Velva
Favorite Cigar: Roi-Tan Blunts
Favorite Foods: Peanut Butter, Mashed Potatoes, Cheesburgers
Favorite Books: The Bible, The Face of Jesus, The Impersonal Life, The Prophet, The Shroud of Turin
Favorite Movies: Patton, Dr. Strangelove, Monty Python and Holy Grail, The Party, The Pink Panther, The dirty harry film.
Favorite Female Co-stars: Ann Margret, Nancy Sinatra, Mary Ann Mobley, Juliet Prowse, Shelley Fabares (note: We have to put Judy Tyler, Elvis' co-star from Jailhouse Rock, but she died a few days after Jailhouse Rock was completed in a terrible auto accident. Elvis was, and remained for the rest of his life, "strickened" by her death thus it must of been "hard" for him to watch Jailhouse Rock - and/or talk about it openly - even though it was/is a great movie and Elvis performed wonderfully in his starring role).
Elvis Presleys Last Words: Ok, I won't ( Elvis spoke these words, on August 16, 1977 while in his bedroom and after playing Racquetball, to his girlfriend named Ginger Alden).
ELVIS' Nicknames:
Alan (Graceland Code Name)
Alvis (note: Lisa Marie, as a child, called her Father "ALVIS" which made Elvis "crack up laughing" and Elvis noted this during several concerts).
Atomic Powered Singer (the)
Buttons
Cat (the)
Chief (the)
Country Cat (the)
Crazy
Crazy Cat
E (sometimes "big E")
EL
EP
E.P. (initials)
Elvis the Pelvis
Elvis, the Hillbilly Cat
Elvis Pretzel
Elvy
Fire Eyes
Mama's Boy
Memphis Flash
Mr. Dynamite
Mr. Las Vegas
Mr. Rythmn
King (the)
King of Hearts (the)
King of Love (the)
King of Rock (the)
King of Rock 'n' Roll (the)
King of Swoon (the)
King of Western Bop (the)
Mr. Safety
Mr. Obscene
My Boy
Pelvie
Pelvis
Shake
Son (note: The Colonel frequently used this name for Elvis)
Sir Swivel Hips
Tiger (note: This was Elvis' Karate name as well)
Tiger Man
** Note: Elvis name is actually from a Norse word meaning " all wise "
ELVIS' Telephone Numbers:
* Note: During Elvis' life there were no, if any, "area codes" used in the United States
Memphis: 397-4427
398-4882
398-9722
870-0370 (the colonel)
Beverly Hills: 278-3496
278-5935
274-8498 (the colonel)
Palm Springs: 325-3241
325-4781 (the colonel)
ELVIS' Addresses:
Tupelo Mississippi
January 8, 1935 (Elvis birthplace): was 306 Old Satillo Road which is now known as "306 Elvis Presley Drive" which was changed by the designation as a "State Historical Site" Mississippi Department of Archives and History on January 8, 1978.
1940-1941: Reese Street, where the Presleys stayed with Vester and Clettes Presley and their daughter Patsy.
1942:
Kelly Street, a rented, small apartment
August 8, 1945: Vernon paid $ 200 down on the house on
Berry Street. He was forced to sell it on July 18, 1946. "Doll" Smith lived here with the Presleys and then Minnie Mae Presley moved in.
1946: Commerce Street, a rental.
1946 # 2: 510 1/2 Maple Street, South Tupelowhere the Presleys lived with Glady's cousin Frank Richards and his wife, Leona.
1946-1947: Mulbery Alley
1947-1948: North Green Street, in the Shakerag section of Tupelo.
Memphis Tennessee
1948: 370 North Washington Street (note: The rental amount was $11.00 per week)
September 12, 1948 - September 20m, 1949: 572 Poplar Avenue (note: The rental amount was $ 9.50 per week)
1949-1951: 185
Winchester Street, a two- bedroom apartment number 185 then 328. (note: Elvis and his family were accepted into this Memphis Housing Authority property called Lauderdale Courts. This two-bedroom apartment cost them $35 a month. In February 1952 they were allowed to sign a new lease with the rent raised to $43 a month. By Nov. 17, 1952 they were evicted because they made too much money
to live in assisted housing. The combined family income was $4,133).
January 1953: 698 Saffarans Street January 7, 1953 until April 1953: 3
98 Cypress Street 1953: 462 Alabama
Late 1954 until Mid 1955:
2414 Lamar Avenue Mid 1955 until May 11, 1956: 1
414 Getwell Street May 11, 1956 until March 1957 (note: Elvis actually purchased this 3 bedroom home in April of 1956 for $ 40,000.00):
1034 Audubon Drive. Elvis allegedly sold the house for $ 55,000 it had an iron fence which still exists at the property. The Audubon Driveneighbors hated the Presleys and the commotion caused by fans. A neighborhood group asked the Presleys to leave. March 1957:
3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard(in a suburb of Memphis called Whitehaven) is where Graceland sits. Elvis purchased the house for $ 100,000 and lived there until his death.
Southern California
Elvis stayed at the Knickerbocker Hotel on
Ivar Avenue, on the 11th floorwith Memphis Mafia, Gladys, and Vernon during the filming of Loving You. He then stayed at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and eventually moved to the Regent Beverly Wilshire at 9500 Wilshire Boulevard.
565 Perugia Way, Bel Air (a rental 1960-63 moved back into the home 1963-65).
1059 Bellagio Road, Bel Air was a rental and had a bowling alley Elvis lived here briefly in 1963 and 1965.
10550 Rocca Place, Bel Air (a rental from late 1965 to May 7 1967).
1174 Hillcrest a three bedroom home in the Trousdale Estates was purchased on May 7 1967, for approximately $ 400,000.
144 Monovale in the Holmby Hills was purchased in December of 1970 for $ 339,000.00.
Camino del Norte was rented in April of 1968 while Elvis and Priscilla looked for a home to purchase.
845 Chino Canyon Roadwas a vacation home in Palm Springs Elvis built this white stucco single story fifteen room ranch ranch for $ 85,000. This home transferred to Lisa Marie, through Elvis to Vernon and then from Vernon to Lisa Marie, in 1979 and sold in 1979 with the proceeds going to Lisa Marie (i.e. Elvis' Estate).
350 Leadera Circle, was in Palm Springs. Elvis rented the five thousand square foot home in September of 1966 and in April 1970.
Other Homes
906 Oak Hill Drivein Killeen Texas. Elvis rented the four bedroom for members of the Memphis Mafia and his parents in May 1958.
14 Goethestrasse was in Bad Nauheim, West Germany. For $ 800 a month, Elvis rented a five bedroom white stucco house at this location from October 1958 to the end of 1959 while he served in the Army.
4152 Royal Crest Placein Memphis was the home Elvis bought and gave as a gift to Ginger Alden. It was one block from Graceland.
The Circle G Ranch was located on 163 acres off Rt. 301 in DeSoto County Near Walls Mississippi.
ELVIS' Meetings with other Artists (i.e. Singers):
ELVIS MEETS THE BEATLES: (note: content being added so please check back and thanks)
1975: Elvis met Clapton in Memphis. Elvis didn't knew who Clapton was so Eric told Elvis that he "played guitar". Elvis responded that "if you want/need some guitar lessons his Guitar Man (i.e. James Burton) could give you some".
1975 (May 11): Elvis meets the Led Zeppelin Band. The Led Zeppelin Band was sitting in the front row during the show in Los Angeles on May
11th. They were so impressed that they went to Elvis' Hotel, after the show, to meet Elvis. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page were huge Elvis' fans. Elvis did a great show that night and later he said "I guess I showed those boys how to rock".
1976 (June 27): Elvis met Elton backstage after his show in Largo, Maryland. Elton would like to offer Elvis a "song or two" but (sadly) nothing ever happens.
ELVIS' Favorite Food Receipes:
Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 slices light bread
1 banana, mashed
2 tablespoons margarine, melted
Mix soft peanut butter and mashed banana together. Toast bread lightly. Spread peanut butter and mashed banana on toast. Place
into melted margarine; brown on both sides.
Ham Bone Dumplings
1 large ham bone or leftover ham
2 quarts water
salt and pepper
Dumplings
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Crisco shortening
1 cup cold water
Simmer ham bone in water for 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine dumpling ingredients to make dough. Add more flour if needed to make dough easy to handle. Place dough on floured
board and roll very thin. Cut dough into small pieces and drop into pot with ham. Cook about 20 - 25 minutes more.
Baked Apple And Sweet Potato Pudding
4 large sweet potatoes
3 medium apples
1 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
1/2 cup butter -- melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
graham cracker crumbs
Wash; peel sweet potatoes and apples. Cut into slices. Cover bottom of pan with graham cracker crumbs. Layer potatoes and
apples in dish. Mix brown sugar with water and pour over each layer. Season each layer with cinnamon, apple pie spice, butter,
and flavoring. Spread a few graham cracker crumbs over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Let pudding stand for
4 or 5 minutes, then serve.